Sacred Spaces
Reflecting Backward to Move Forward and Live in the Now
by:
Neil Goss
Goss has been concentrating his concepts, materials and work around natural Earth processes while contemplating, incorporating, and responding to human impacts upon those processes. In 2012 he received his BFA in Design with concentrations in Textiles and Ceramics from the University of Kansas School of the Arts. Goss has been in multiple group shows, solo shows, and is the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards including the Doris Carey Scholarship, TSA workshop scholarship, Hollander Family Fund Scholarship, KU SOTA research travel funds and the KU Exiting Award Scholarship.
"Sacred spaces have hosted my life’s most vivid memories. They possess a strong spiritual aurora and vibratory pulse, for me personally. These areas presented are truly sacred in my lifeway, most of which are in the United State of Kansas, the geometric and slightly organic-shaped region of land that has inspired and sustained my physical and spiritual self for 24 years.
As I reflect upon the past, I recollect memories and strong, uplifting thoughts and times in places of wonder and comfort. I am also reminded of life-altering detriments of natural occurrence and personal infliction, which have left me in a space of disgust and discomfort. However, it seems that out of the midst of the negative times that hurt so perpetually, come the most energizing and euphoric times. This rebirth leads to new undiscovered and rediscovered sacred spaces to encourage growth, development, and bettering of the self. This bettering of the self leads to the bettering of others.
It is these sacred spaces that have shaped not only my life, but also the lives of many others before me. Positive and negative energies fill the sacred spaces of Earth. The spaces will continue to inspire, awe, challenge and confuse living beings until the end of time in the universe we call home. At the same time, they will continually absorb and reflect the energies presented to them.
These paintings pay homage to the memories and emotions I have experienced in these revered sacred spaces. Through reflection and regression, true projection and progression can ensue. This concept can lead to being content enough to live here, in the now. The now that will create the past and inform the future. The now is all we have in this conscious life. To be in the now is to respect every space you inhabit and to be aware, that your actions and energy are influencing the space around you. I strive to create spaces embodied with positive, uplifting energy so that living beings after me have an easier time living in positive light, walking in confidence."
-Goss
*Opening Reception on Friday May 3rd from 6:00pm-10:00pm*